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Group:
Insect
Estimated genome size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Size:
Its body is about 16-21 mm, and its probiscis (tongue) is 20-47mm long.
Distribution:
Its range is in south western Africa, specifically extreme southwestern Namibia through the western part of Northern Cape Province in South Africa (Namaqualand), and into the northwestern portion of the Western Cape Province. Key areas of high diversity include the Kamieskroon area of Namaqualand and the Pakhuis Mountains in the Western Cape.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
34.81 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
1.09 kilobases
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Genome Length:
0.56 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.0% [S: 94.7%, D: 4.2%]
Importance:
The Long-tongued fly is important ecologically. It is a keystone pollinator for a whole guild of long-tubed, vividly colored flowers. Through its specialized morphology and behavior, it facilitates efficient and species-specific pollination, supports plant biodiversity, and likely drives co-evolution in its plant partners.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Simon Van Noort
Iziko Museums of South Africa
Group:
Eudicot
Estimated genome size:
Size:
3-5 cm high, about 10 cm in diameter
Distribution:
Endemic to a single valley in the Western Cape and restricted to disjunct sites on quartzite pavements.
PromethION Sequencing Report:
Output:
41.67 Gigabases
Approximate N50:
10.91 kilobases
Assembly N50:
65 443.77 kilobases
Contig number:
1 590
Draft Genome Assembly Statistics:
Assembler used:
Hifiasm
Genome Length:
0.75 Gigabases
BUSCO completeness score (single and duplicated genes):
99.3% [S: 95.8%, D: 3.5%]
BUSCO database:
viridiplantae
Bijlia dilatata
Clay Prince Albert vygie
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Importance:
The Red List of Southern African Plants notes that the species is range-restricted species (EOO 260 km²) and 'declining due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation'. A recent publication by Milton et al. (2024) studied eight populations and concluded that grazing and climate change appear to be contributing to declines in this endemic habitat specific dwarf succulent, already threatened by land transformation and poaching in the Succulent Karoo hotspot of South Africa.
Sample Contributor contact details:
Prof. Helga van der Merwe
South African Environmental Observation Network: Arid Lands Node
Date Published:
2025-10-28
Photo credit:
© S. Milton
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